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This abstract is assigned to session BSCRS: Cataract Free papers

Title	Phaco-emulsification without any use of visco-elastics
Abstract Nr.	162

Purpose	To evaluate a new method for cataract removal without the use of any visco-elastics.
Methods	50 eyes of 50 patients had cataractsurgery using a new technique for cataract removal (group I). Incision, continuous circular capsulorhexis and hydrodissection was done under continuous irrigation through 1.2 mm micro-incisions. Subsequent micro-incision phaco-emulsification was done or a third 2.6 mm incision was created for traditional phaco-emulsifciation. An intra-ocular lens (IOL) was inserted under continuous irrigation. The whole procedure was done using no visco-elastic devices. 50 control eyes had traditional phaco-emulsificationwith the use of dispersive and non-dispersive visco-elastics (group II). Both groups were compared.
Results	Group I showed 4 small anterior capsulorhexis of less than 4.5 mm and group II had one floppy iris. No other intra-operative complication was encountered. All patients recovered berst corrected visual acuity of 20/25 or better. Mean surgical time was 1.5 min less in group I. 24%of eyes in group II showed IOP-spike of more than 21 mm Hg on day 1 compared to 8% in group I.
Conclusion	Phaco-emùulsification using no visco-elastics is a safe procedure with a defenite learning curve. It reduces the costs of the procedure as well as surgery time without compromising safety of surgery. Leaving no visco-elastics inside the eye minimised the chance of post-operative intra-ocular pressure spikes.

Author 1

Last name	SALLET
Initials	G
Department	ALGEMEEN STEDELIJK ZIEKENHUIS
City	AALST